Roswell, GA – February 7, 2018 – Second Wind Dreams, a national non-profit, announced today that CEO P.K. Beville was selected as keynote speaker for the 2018 Essex Dementia Conference, where she will unveil the new, ‘Dementia Inclusive’ Mobile Virtual Dementia Tour Unit. The event takes place on Wednesday, February 21st from 10am to 5pm local time at the Essex Golf and Country Club, United Kingdom.

Beville will discuss the dynamics of simulation learning and resulting impact on the care of people living with dementia. In addition, she will talk about how intangible feelings like compassion and sensitivity can be turned into competency assessment which ensures competent dementia care is provided. Second Wind Dreams will be running their flagship program, The Virtual Dementia Tour, during the conference for attendees to experience these effects of dementia firsthand.

P.K. Beville founded Second Wind Dreams in 1997, the first organization focused on enhancing the quality of life for elders and providing educational tools for dementia care and took a bold step in the world of geriatrics by creating the internationally acclaimed Virtual Dementia Tour(VDT)®. Experienced by millions of people in 20 countries the VDT is a tool to train professional and family caregivers, staff and physicians in eldercare communities, hospitals, colleges and universities, government agencies, community leaders and first responders to help develop dementia-friendly communities worldwide.

The VDT is a patented, ground-breaking, and scientifically-proven training method that temporarily alters participants’ physical, cognitive and sensory abilities, simulating the effects of dementia. During the VDT, trained facilitators guide participants outfitted with patented devices that alter their senses while they try to complete common everyday tasks and exercises. The VDT enables people to personally experience the physical and cognitive challenges facing those with dementia by “walking in their shoes.”

Second Wind Dreams has had VDT mobile units throughout the United Kingdom for 3 years, allowing care providers across the country the educational experience. The organization has expanded the traditional mobile VDT process by adding a second mobile unit showcasing participants’ understanding of Dementia when person-centered care is provided. This will bring the experience full circle by allowing participants to see and feel dementia through different modalities of care provision.

“The lack of care and understanding for people with dementia ranks as one of the most important human rights crisis of our time and, globally, with nearly 47 million people diagnosed with dementia it is imperative we continue to develop tools designed to support people living with dementia and their care partners,” said Beville. “We are thrilled to partner with Training 2 Care (UK) for the worldwide launch of the ‘Dementia Inclusive’ Mobile Virtual Dementia Tour. These units increase our ability to raise awareness and provide proper training enhancing our ability to care for people with dementia in a more empathic way.”

Following the official launch of the mobile units, Beville will be available to speak with attendees about Second Wind Dreams and the Virtual Dementia Tour.

About Second Wind Dreams

Founded in 1997 by geriatric specialist P.K. Beville, M.S., Second Wind Dreams is a national non-profit focused exclusively on enhancing the quality of life for elders and changing society’s perception of aging by making elder dreams come true and creating the patented educational program, The Virtual Dementia Tour®. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is governed by a Board of Directors that provides the guidance and support necessary for Second Wind Dreams to continue its mission and expand its impact. Financial support comes from individual contributions, memberships, eldercare industry associations, religious organizations, grants, corporate philanthropy, and revenue generated from the Virtual Dementia Tour.